Candidate wants to inspire others
Bernie Goldsmith says she has ‘‘next to zero’’ chance of being elected – but she’s determined to run for the Nelson City Council to encourage more involvement in politics.
‘‘I’m a realist,’’ she said. ‘‘The likelihood of me being elected is fairly low . . . I want to get people interested.’’
Goldsmith said she had always been interested in the council, and strongly believed there needed to be more diversity around the table.
‘‘I don’t think any Ma¯ori woman has ever been elected. If Cindy Batt ran twice and didn’t get in, my chances of being elected are next to zero, [but] I know if I stand, it will get other people interested.
‘‘I’ll be happy if my story inspires people.’’
Goldsmith said she was inspired by Mayor Rachel Reese, the first woman to be elected mayor of Nelson.
‘‘We need more role models, and she is one . . . I’m glad that she’s standing again.’’
She said more women should support and vote for women standing for council or mayoral positions, and she also wanted to support more young people getting involved in the council.
Goldsmith has a long history of civic involvement. She is involved in the Nelson Rotary Club and was the town planner in Motueka.
‘‘All you have to do is ask for things – like the flea market [in Motueka] didn’t have electricity, so I just asked . . . I invited the Prime Minister [Helen Clark] to the Starlight Parade, and she flew in. That’s what I love about council – you can ask for things, and people want to help.’’
Goldsmith has a Facebook page where she uploads video blogs of what she learns on her campaign trail. ‘‘I can encourage people to be involved in politics, because it’s exciting.’’